Our Genres

We welcome creative multimedia approaches combining text with other elements (audio, video, graphics, pictures, etc.). Thus each genre may include many different types of media, for media is only the channel through which information is conveyed.

“The Fieldnote”: A comparably short but relevant research experience, scene, situation, story, or anecdote that stands out as an example for a bigger issue. The text should be colorful and describe actors and scenes, as you would write a Fieldnote in your research. The fieldnote should not “only” describe, but should also use the described to tell something specific by showing it through a very concrete research experience. The (ending of the) Fieldnote might leave the reader with a question: it doesn’t necessarily have to answer, analyze or explain these questions.

“The Analysis”: Research and experiences are used to explain or criticize an issue, a topic that has a broader relevance. In “The Analysis”, you would want to use your own unique experience and knowledge about an issue to produce a comprehensive article, audio or video report that puts the focus on explanation: A systematic examination and interpretation of a larger issue, explained through its parts: persons, facts, statements, scenes, stories. But it should offer something that is more than the sum of its parts, and that treats the topic from a variety of perspectives. You should summarize the main argument at the end.

“The Picture”: Research findings or research experiences explained through a photograph and an accompanying short piece of text. Whilst in other formats, photos are used to underline the text, this section encourages the opposite: the text should underline the photo, and the photo should be outstanding. There are many ways to use one picture in combination with text to tell a story. One way is a portrait of a person, with a text explaining a story about this person. Another way may be to feature a more symbolic picture, something that has inspired you in relation to the research you have been doing. In any case, try to make sure that the photo itself is strong and compelling, and in some way attracts immediate attention. The relation between the picture and the text should be made clear – so that together they representing the issue at stake. Note: Please make sure that you own the rights to the photo you submit.“The Voice”: Whether it is a text-based interview, an audio-piece, or a video-cast: “The Voice” should aim to represent someone you meet while doing research in the most direct and non-mediated form, largely speaking for itself. For example, this could be an interview with an informant or someone from your field, simply an exciting and interesting person who has a great story to tell. Another option is to talk to an athropologist on a specific issue with relevance for a broader public interest.You can provide some context by explaining the situation, but “The Voice” should always speak for itself.

The main aim for all our genres is: telling good stories well!

Links to related articles and other online resources are also highly welcome. If you feel that some background information destroys the flow of narration in the article, it may – in certain cases – be outsourced into a footnote. But please don’t fall into the trap of academic debates over theory or any other academic-jargon driven discussion. This is not in the spirit of this blog and we want our content to be accessible to all readers.